UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 6-K

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the month of March 2016

 

 

 

Commission File Number: 001-50984

 

 

 

eLong, Inc.

 

 

 

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

Block B, Xingke Plaza Building
10 Middle Jiuxianqiao Road
Chaoyang District
Beijing 10015, People’s Republic of China

(Address of principal executive office)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

 

  Form 20-F   x   Form 40-F   ¨  

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):________________

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):________________

 

 

 

 

  

Press Releases

 

On March 16, 2016, the registrant announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2015. A copy of the press release issued by the registrant regarding the foregoing is filed herewith as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Exhibits.

 

99.1 Press release regarding unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

  ELONG, INC.
       
       
  By : /s/ Philip Yang
  Name : Philip Yang
  Title : Chief Financial Officer

 

Date: March 17, 2016

 

 

 

 



 

Exhibit 99.1

 

eLong Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2015 Unaudited Financial Results

 

BEIJING, March 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — eLong, Inc. (Nasdaq: LONG) (the “Company” or “eLong”), a leading mobile and online travel service provider in China, today reported unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2015.

 

Highlights – Fourth Quarter 2015

 

nAccommodation reservation1 room nights stayed in the fourth quarter increased 20% to 11.3 million room nights compared to 9.4 million in the prior year period.

 

nGross revenue earned from accommodation reservation (Non-GAAP)2 was RMB351 million, representing a 4% decrease in the fourth quarter of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. Accommodation reservation revenue (GAAP) was RMB283 million, increasing 35% year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2015. Net commissions earned from accommodation reservation (Non-GAAP)3 were RMB226 million, increasing 28% year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2015.

 

   2014 Q4   2015 Q3   2015 Q4   2014   2015 
   RMB   RMB   RMB   RMB   RMB 
   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 
                     
Gross revenue earned from accommodation reservation (Non-GAAP)   367,264    404,061    351,492    1,361,483    1,479,472 
Contra-revenue of cash rebates from the coupon program in our agency accommodation business   (157,204)   (92,194)   (63,418)   (422,696)   (419,958)
Portion of loss in our significantly-discounted merchant accommodation business   -    (13,830)   (5,234)   -    (89,489)
Accommodation reservation revenue (GAAP)   210,060    298,037    282,840    938,787    970,025 
The excess of gross-up revenues over commissions for inventory risk taking accommodation transactions   (33,879)   (59,050)   (56,497)   (41,272)   (234,546)
Net commissions earned from accommodation reservation (Non-GAAP)   176,180    238,987    226,343    897,515    735,479 

 

nNet revenues for the fourth quarter increased 19% to RMB294.2 million (US$45.4 million), compared to RMB246.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2014.

 

nMobile bookings comprised more than 80% of eLong brand room nights4 in the fourth quarter, and cumulative downloads of eLong mobile apps reached approximately 490 million.

 

 

1 “Accommodation reservation” mainly represents the reservation of hotels, guesthouses, apartments and other accommodation-related services. In our press releases regarding our financial results for periods before 2015, we used “hotel reservation” when referring to this same operational matrix. We believe that “accommodation” better describes the diversified lodging and accommodation services that we offer.

2 Gross revenue earned from accommodation reservation (Non-GAAP)” is defined as accommodation reservation revenue (GAAP) plus (1) cash rebates to customers from the coupon program in our agency accommodation business that were recorded as contra revenue; and (2) the portion of the loss from significant cash-back discounts in our merchant accommodation business that was recorded as contra revenue.

3 “Net commissions earned from accommodation reservation (Non-GAAP)” are defined as accommodation reservation revenue (GAAP) minus the excess of gross-up revenues over our commissions for accommodation reservation transactions, where we take inventory risk and accordingly recognize revenues on a gross basis.

4 eLong brand room nights” excludes room nights from non-eLong brand distribution partners and resellers.

 

 -1- 

 

  

nDomestic hotel coverage network expanded 60% to over 320,000 domestic hotels as of December 31, 2015, compared to 200,000 as of December 31, 2014.

 

nMore than 75,000 properties have contracted to use the free, cloud-based, multi-device hotel property management systems, Yunzhanggui and Zhuzhe, produced by our investee companies.

 

Highlights – Full Year 2015

 

nAccommodation reservation room nights stayed in 2015 increased 26% to 43.2 million room nights compared to 34.2 million in 2014.

 

nGross revenue earned from accommodation reservation (Non-GAAP) reached RMB1.5 billion, increasing 9% year-on-year in 2015 compared to 2014. Accommodation reservation revenue (GAAP) was RMB970 million, increasing 3% year-on-year in 2015. Net commissions earned from accommodation reservation (Non-GAAP) were RMB735 million, decreasing 18% year-on-year in 2015.

 

nNet revenues in 2015 decreased 5% to RMB1.0 billion (US$159.3 million), compared to RMB1.1 billion in 2014.

 

“In 2015, our accommodation reservation room nights grew 26%, setting an eLong record of 43.2 million stayed room nights. We also achieved an important milestone with gross bookings5 surpassing RMB17 billion for the first time in our history,” said Hao Jiang, Chief Executive Officer of eLong. “In 2016, we will continue to execute our focused mobile accommodation strategy to increase our investment in our mobile products, technology team and mobile customer acquisition while maintaining a balance between our top line and spending growth.”

 

Business Results

 

Total Revenues

Total revenues by product for the fourth quarter of 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014 were as follows (in RMB million):

 

   Q4 2015  

%
Total

   Q4 2014  

%
Total

  

Y/Y
Growth

 
                         
Accommodation reservation   282.8    93%   210.1    79%   35%
Transportation ticketing   18.7    6%   33.5    13%   (44)%
Other   4.3    1%   21.8    8%   (81)%
Total revenues   305.8    100%   265.4    100%   15%

 

Total revenues by product for the full year 2015 as compared to 2014 were as follows (in RMB million):

 

   2015   %
Total
   2014   %
Total
   Y/Y
Growth
 
                     
Accommodation reservation   970.0    89%   938.8    81%   3%
Transportation ticketing6   89.4    8%   146.0    13%   (39)%
Other   29.3    3%   79.3    6%   (63)%
Total revenues   1,088.7    100%   1,164.1    100%   (6)%

 

5 Gross bookings” are the total retail value of transactions recorded at the time of stay for accommodation reservation room nights and at the time of issuance for transportation tickets. Gross bookings include the total price due for travel excluding taxes, fees and other charges, and are generally reduced for cancellations and refunds.

6Transportation ticketing” mainly represents the reservation of air tickets, train tickets, travel insurance, and other transportation-related services. Prior to 2015, we reported our revenues generated from the reservation of train tickets, travel insurance and other transportation-related services in the aggregate as “Other” revenues. We also no longer report “air ticketing” revenues separately from revenues from train tickets, travel insurance, and other transportation-related services in our consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss)/income, which we had done prior to 2015.

 

 -2- 

 

  

Accommodation Reservation

Accommodation reservation revenue increased 35% in the fourth quarter of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014, primarily due to higher volume and higher revenue per room night. Room nights stayed in the fourth quarter of 2015 increased 20% year-on-year to 11.3 million, and revenue per room night increased due to the declined contra-revenue impact of our coupon program and the growth of room night transactions for which we take inventory risk and recognize revenues on a gross basis. Accommodation reservation revenue in the fourth quarter of 2015 comprised 93% of our total revenues, compared to 79% in the prior year quarter.

 

Accommodation reservation revenue increased 3% for the full year 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to higher volume, partially offset by lower revenue per room night. Room nights stayed in 2015 increased 26% year-on-year to 43.2 million. Revenue per room night decreased in 2015 due to the lower commission rate room nights for which we recognize revenues on a net basis and the significant discounts in our merchant accommodation business, partially offset by the growth of room night transactions for which we take inventory risk and recognize revenues on a gross basis. Accommodation reservation revenue in 2015 comprised 89% of total revenues, compared to 81% in the prior year.

 

Transportation Ticketing

Transportation tickets decreased to 1.4 million in the fourth quarter and increased to 6.4 million for the full year 2015, representing a decrease of 10% and an increase of 48%, respectively, compared to the fourth quarter of 2014 and the full year 2014, respectively, primarily due to the decline of air tickets and the growth of train tickets. Transportation ticketing revenue decreased 44% in the fourth quarter and 39% in 2015, primarily due to a decrease in air commission revenue per ticket. The decline in air commission revenue per ticket was primarily due to the lowering by major Chinese airlines of the base air commission rate from 2% to 1% in February 2015 and then to 0% in June 2015. Transportation ticketing revenue decreased to 6% of our total revenues in the fourth quarter and 8% for the full year 2015 from 13% and 13%, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2014 and the full year 2014.

 

Other

Other revenues are primarily derived from advertising business. Other revenue decreased by 81% year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2015 and decreased by 63% year-on-year in the full year 2015, mainly driven by decreased advertising revenue as a result of our disposition of Nanjing Xici Information Technology Share Co., Ltd. (“Nanjing Xici”) in the first quarter of 2015. Other revenues decreased to 1% of total revenues in the fourth quarter and 3% for the full year 2015 from 8% and 6%, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2014 and the full year 2014.

 

Gross Margin

Gross margin in the fourth quarter of 2015 increased to 52% from 50% in the prior year quarter. The growth in gross margin in the fourth quarter of 2015 was primarily due to higher accommodation reservation revenue per room night.

 

Gross margin for the full year 2015 decreased to 45%, compared to 68% in 2014. The decline in gross margin in the full year 2015 was primarily due to lower revenue per room night and the growth of room night transactions for which we take inventory risk and recognize revenue on a gross basis.

  

 -3- 

 

  

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014 were as follows (in RMB million):

 

   Q4 2015   % of Net
Revenue
   Q4 2014   % of Net
Revenue
   Y/Y
Growth
 
Service development   111.1    38%   83.9    34%   32%
Sales and marketing   292.1    99%   180.4    73%   62%
General and administrative   86.6    29%   40.3    16%   115%
Amortization of intangible assets   5.3    2%   4.0    2%   32%
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets   40.4    14%   5.5    2%   635%
Total operating expenses   535.5    182%   314.1    127%   70%

 

Operating expenses for the full year 2015 as compared to 2014 were as follows (in RMB million):

 

   2015   % of Net
Revenue
   2014   % of Net
Revenue
   Y/Y
Growth
 
Service development   432.5    42%   275.2    25%   57%
Sales and marketing   848.4    82%   644.4    59%   32%
General and administrative   315.5    31%   147.7    14%   114%
Amortization of intangible assets   21.2    2%   8.7    1%   145%
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets   40.4    4%   5.5    1%   635%
Total operating expenses   1,658.0    161%   1,081.5    100%   53%

 

Total operating expenses increased by 70% in the fourth quarter of 2015, compared to the prior year quarter. Operating expenses were 182% of net revenue in the fourth quarter of 2015, compared to 127% in the prior year quarter. Operating loss was RMB381.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2015, compared to operating loss of RMB191.4 million in the prior year quarter.

 

Total operating expenses increased 53% for the full year 2015 compared to 2014. Total operating expenses increased to 161% of net revenues in 2015 from 100% in 2014. Operating loss was RMB1.2 billion compared to operating loss of RMB315.9 million in the prior year.

 

Service development expenses are expenses related to technology and our product offerings, including our mobile applications and websites, as well as our supplier relations function. In the fourth quarter of 2015 and the full year 2015, service development expenses increased by 32% and 57%, respectively, compared to the fourth quarter of 2014 and the full year 2014, primarily due to increased headcount and higher share-based compensation charges. Service development expenses increased to 38% and 42%, respectively, of net revenues in the fourth quarter of 2015 and the full year 2015, compared to 34% and 25%, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2014 and the full year 2014.

 

Sales and marketing expenses increased 62% for the fourth quarter of 2015 over the prior year quarter, and increased 32% for the full year 2015 over 2014, primarily driven by increased costs for new mobile customer acquisition, partially offset by decreased media and online marketing expenses. Sales and marketing expenses increased to 99% and 82%, respectively, of net revenues in the fourth quarter of 2015 and the full year 2015, from 73% and 59%, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2014 and the full year 2014.

 

General and administrative expenses increased 115% for the fourth quarter of 2015 and increased 114% for the full year 2015, respectively, compared to the fourth quarter of 2014 and the full year 2014, primarily driven by higher share-based compensation charges. General and administrative expenses increased to 29% and 31%, respectively, of net revenues in the fourth quarter of 2015 and the full year 2015, from 16% and 14%, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2014 and the full year 2014.

 

 -4- 

 

  

Other income was RMB11.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2015, compared to other expense of RMB1.5 million in the same prior year period. Other income was RMB140.7 million in the full year 2015, compared to other income of RMB57.8 million in 2014, primarily due to a gain of RMB71.8 million from our disposition of Nanjing Xici in the first quarter of 2015.

 

Income tax benefit for the fourth quarter of 2015 was RMB6.1 million, compared to income tax expense of RMB16.5 million during the prior year quarter. Income tax expense for the full year 2015 was RMB12.9 million, compared to income tax expense of RMB13.1 million in 2014.

 

Net loss for the fourth quarter of 2015 was RMB330.4 million, compared to net loss of RMB206.7 million during the prior year quarter. Net loss for the full year 2015 was RMB1.0 billion, compared to net loss of RMB268.9 million in 2014.

 

Basic net loss per ADS and diluted net loss per ADS for the fourth quarter of 2015 were each RMB8.86 (US$1.36), compared to both basic net loss per ADS and diluted net loss per ADS of RMB5.78 (US$0.94) in the prior year quarter. Net loss per ADS and diluted net loss per ADS for the full year 2015 were each RMB27.94 (US$4.32), compared to net loss per ADS and diluted net loss per ADS of RMB7.58 (US$1.22) for 2014.

 

As of December 31, 2015, eLong held cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and restricted cash of RMB1.1 billion (US$170 million), of which 82% was held in Renminbi and 18% was held in US dollars.

 

Recent Developments

 

On February 4, 2016, eLong announced that it had entered into a definitive Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with China E-dragon Holdings Limited (“Parent”) and China E-dragon Mergersub Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, pursuant to which Parent will acquire eLong. At the closing of the transaction, Parent will be owned by a consortium of certain of eLong’s existing shareholders, including C-Travel International Limited (which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ctrip.com International, Ltd.), TCH Sapphire Limited (which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tencent Holdings Limited), Ocean Imagination L.P. and Luxuriant Holdings Limited, along with Seagull Limited and certain management members of eLong (the “Buyer Group”).

 

Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, eLong shareholders other than those in the Buyer Group will receive US$9.0 in cash for each ordinary share of eLong (a “Share”) that they hold or US$18.0 in cash for each American Depositary Share, each representing two Shares (an “ADS”), that they hold. The price represents a premium of approximately 24% over the closing price of eLong’s ADSs on July 31, 2015, the last trading day prior to August 3, 2015, the date that eLong announced that it had received a “going-private” proposal from TCH Sapphire Limited, and a premium of approximately 5% over the closing price of eLong’s ADSs on February 3, 2016, the trading day immediately before the Merger Agreement was signed.

 

The closing of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement is subject to a number of customary conditions, including a vote of shareholders representing at least two-thirds of the voting power of the Shares present and voting in person or by proxy as a single class at an extraordinary general meeting of eLong’s shareholders. The transaction is expected to close before the end of the second quarter of eLong’s fiscal year 2016. If completed, the transaction will result in eLong becoming a privately-held company and its ADSs will no longer be listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.

 

 -5- 

 

  

Safe Harbor Statement

 

Statements in this press release concerning eLong’s future business, operating results and financial condition are “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “predict,” “future,” “is/are likely to,” “should” and “will” and similar expressions as they relate to eLong are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of doing so. These forward-looking statements are based upon management’s current views and expectations with respect to future events and are not a guarantee of future performance. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about our anticipated growth strategies, our future business development, results of operations and financial condition, our ability to control costs, limit losses and/or return to profitability, our ability to attract customers and leverage our brand, and trends and competition in the travel industry in China and globally. Furthermore, these statements are, by their nature, subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual performance and results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could affect our actual results and cause our actual results to differ materially from those referred to in any forward-looking statement include, but are not limited to, declines or disruptions in the travel industry, international financial, political or economic crises, a slowdown in the PRC economy, an outbreak of bird flu or other disease, eLong’s reliance on maintaining good relationships with, and stable air and hotel inventory from, hotel suppliers and airline ticket suppliers, and on establishing new relationships with suppliers on similar terms, our reliance on the TravelSky GDS system for our air business, Baidu and Qihoo for our search engine marketing, our reliance on maintaining commercial cooperation with online hotel inventory distribution partners, the risk that eLong will not be able to increase its brand recognition, the possibility that eLong will be unable to continue timely compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act or other regulatory requirements, the risk that eLong will not be successful in competing against new and existing competitors, the risk that our infrastructure and technology are damaged, fail or become obsolete, risks associated with Ctrip’s large ownership interest in eLong, risks relating to eLong’s investments in, and acquisitions of, other businesses and assets, fluctuations in the value of the Renminbi, inflation in China, changes in eLong’s management team and other personnel, risks relating to uncertainties in the PRC legal system, including but not limited to, risks relating to our affiliated Chinese operating entities, risks and uncertainties relating to litigation and arbitration in China, risks relating to the application of preferential tax policies, and the risk that eLong will continue to incur losses.

 

Factors that could affect our actual results and cause our actual results to differ materially from those referred to in any forward-looking statement also include, but are not limited to, (a) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement, (b) the inability to complete the proposed merger due to the failure to obtain shareholder approval for the proposed merger or the failure to satisfy other conditions to completion of the proposed merger, (c) the failure to obtain any necessary financing arrangements set forth in the equity commitment letters delivered pursuant to the Merger Agreement, (d) risks related to disruption of management’s attention from eLong’s ongoing business operations due to the transaction, and (e) the effect of the announcement of the proposed merger on eLong’s relationship with its customers, operating results and business generally.

 

Additional factors that may cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements are set forth under the heading “Part I - Item 3 - Risk Factors,” in eLong’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, which was filed with the SEC on March 13, 2015, and in subsequent reports on Form 6-K furnished to the SEC by the Company.

 

 -6- 

 

  

In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this announcement represent our views as of the date hereof. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our views to change. However, while we may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date hereof.

 

About eLong, Inc.

eLong, Inc. (Nasdaq: LONG) is a leader in mobile and online accomodations reservations in China. eLong technology enables travelers to book hotels, guesthouses, apartments and other accommodations, as well as air and train tickets, through convenient mobile and tablet applications, websites (www.eLong.com), 24 hour customer service, and easy to use tools such as destination guides, maps and user reviews.

 

Contact:

eLong, Inc.

Investor Relations

ir@corp.elong.com

+86-10-6436-7570

 

 -7- 

 

  

eLong, Inc.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER ADS AMOUNTS)

 

   Three Months Ended   Year Ended 
   Dec. 31, 
2014
   Sep. 30, 
2015
   Dec. 31, 
2015
   Dec. 31,
2015
   Dec. 31, 
2014
   Dec. 31, 
2015
   Dec. 31, 
2015
 
   RMB   RMB   RMB   USD(1)   RMB   RMB   USD(1) 
   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Audited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 
Revenues:                                   
Accommodation reservation*   210,060    298,037    282,840    43,663    938,787    970,025    149,746 
Transportation ticketing**   33,541    20,956    18,704    2,887    146,029    89,373    13,797 
Other   21,816    3,997    4,251    657    79,259    29,335    4,528 
Total revenues   265,417    322,990    305,795    47,207    1,164,075    1,088,733    168,071 
Business tax, VAT and surcharges   (19,242)   (15,775)   (11,627)   (1,795)   (77,922)   (56,896)   (8,783)
Net revenues   246,175    307,215    294,168    45,412    1,086,153    1,031,837    159,288 
Cost of services   (123,423)   (140,517)   (139,973)   (21,608)   (350,578)   (565,475)   (87,294)
Gross profit   122,752    166,698    154,195    23,804    735,575    466,362    71,994 
                                    
Operating expenses:                                   
Service development   (83,986)   (93,163)   (111,109)   (17,152)   (275,203)   (432,450)   (66,759)
Sales and marketing   (180,371)   (224,015)   (292,092)   (45,091)   (644,403)   (848,420)   (130,973)
General and administrative   (40,278)   (25,082)   (86,611)   (13,370)   (147,698)   (315,505)   (48,706)
Amortization of intangible assets   (4,002)   (5,296)   (5,291)   (817)   (8,670)   (21,225)   (3,277)
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets   (5,496)   -    (40,402)   (6,238)   (5,496)   (40,402)   (6,237)
 Total operating expenses   (314,133)   (347,556)   (535,505)   (82,668)   (1,081,470)   (1,658,002)   (255,952)
Other operating income   -    -    -    -    30,000    -    - 
Loss from operations   (191,381)   (180,858)   (381,310)   (58,864)   (315,895)   (1,191,640)   (183,958)
                                    
Other income/(expense):                                   
Interest income   14,932    8,823    6,747    1,042    61,334    41,130    6,349 
Government subsidy   2,074    8,544    1,648    254    16,353    20,955    3,235 
Foreign exchange gains/( losses)   (812)   2,515    2,778    429    (4,079)   2,941    454 
Net loss on equity method investments   (18,035)   -    (459)   (71)   (18,035)   (459)   (71)
Gain/(loss) from disposition of subsidiary   -    -    (680)   (105)   -    71,082    10,973 
Other   299    3,024    1,454    224    2,219    5,071    782 
Total other income/(expense)   (1,542)   22,906    11,488    1,773    57,792    140,720    21,722 
Loss before income tax (expense)/benefit   (192,923)   (157,952)   (369,822)   (57,091)   (258,103)   (1,050,920)   (162,234)
Income tax (expense)/benefit   (16,537)   (884)   6,063    936    (13,094)   (12,913)   (1,993)
Share of net loss in non-consolidated affiliates   (362)   (2,069)   (2,350)   (363)   (3,426)   (6,714)   (1,037)
Net loss   (209,822)   (160,905)   (366,109)   (56,518)   (274,623)   (1,070,547)   (165,264)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests   3,091    4,595    35,691    5,510    5,680    46,753    7,217 
Net loss attributable to eLong, Inc.   (206,731)   (156,310)   (330,418)   (51,008)   (268,943)   (1,023,794)   (158,047)
Other comprehensive income   -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Total comprehensive loss   (206,731)   (156,310)   (330,418)   (51,008)   (268,943)   (1,023,794)   (158,047)
                                    
Basic net loss per share   (2.89)   (2.11)   (4.43)   (0.68)   (3.79)   (13.97)   (2.16)
Diluted net loss per share   (2.89)   (2.11)   (4.43)   (0.68)   (3.79)   (13.97)   (2.16)
                                    
Basic net loss per ADS(2)(3)   (5.78)   (4.22)   (8.86)   (1.36)   (7.58)   (27.94)   (4.32)
Diluted net loss per ADS(2)(3)   (5.78)   (4.22)   (8.86)   (1.36)   (7.58)   (27.94)   (4.32)
                                    
Shares used in computing net loss per share:                                   
Basic   71,573    74,063    74,529    74,529    70,918    73,300    73,300 
Diluted   71,573    74,063    74,529    74,529    70,918    73,300    73,300 
                                    
Share-based compensation charges included in:   5,307    (1,730)   79,164    12,221    97,675    287,543    44,389 
Cost of services   345    (1,867)   1,299    201    3,089    5,912    913 
Service development   2,898    159    10,795    1,666    25,941    54,684    8,442 
Sales and marketing   725    (1,746)   1,264    195    5,422    4,227    652 
General and administrative   1,339    1,724    65,806    10,159    63,223    222,720    34,382 

 

* Accommodation reservation revenues mainly represent revenues from the reservation of hotels, guesthouses, apartments and other accommodation-related services.

** Transportation ticketing revenues mainly represent revenues from the reservation of air tickets, train tickets, travel insurance, and other transportation-related services.

Note 1: The conversion of Renminbi (RMB) into United States dollars (USD) is based on the noon buying rate of USD1.00=RMB6.4778 on December 31, 2015 in the City of New York for cable transfers of Renminbi as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve. No representation is made that the RMB amounts could have been, or could be, converted or settled into USD at the rates stated herein on the reporting dates, at any other rates or at all.

Note 2: 1 ADS = 2 shares.

Note 3: Non-GAAP financial measures

Note 4: Certain items in prior periods’ consolidated statements of comprehensive loss have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation in order to facilitate comparison.

 

 -8- 

 

  

eLong, Inc.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(IN THOUSANDS)

 

   Dec. 31, 2014   Dec. 31, 2015   Dec. 31, 2015 
   RMB   RMB   USD 
   (Audited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 
ASSETS               
Current assets:               
Cash and cash equivalents   504,890    711,260    109,800 
Short-term investments   1,306,634    244,507    37,745 
Restricted cash   123,937    146,480    22,613 
Accounts receivable, net   295,632    235,562    36,364 
Amounts due from related parties   52,021    216,334    33,396 
Prepaid expenses   55,417    31,703    4,894 
Deferred tax assets, current   304    -    - 
Advance to suppliers   75,285    117,413    18,125 
Other current assets   104,923    90,496    13,971 
Total current assets   2,519,043    1,793,755    276,908 
Property and equipment, net   112,356    98,800    15,252 
Investment in non-consolidated affiliates   96,942    90,044    13,900 
Goodwill   181,322    184,242    28,442 
Intangible assets, net   84,749    24,904    3,845 
Deferred tax assets, non-current   516    -    - 
Other non-current assets   51,123    48,149    7,433 
Total non-current assets   527,008    446,139    68,872 
Total assets   3,046,051    2,239,894    345,780 
                
                
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY               
Current liabilities:               
Accounts payable   442,489    623,316    96,223 
Income taxes payable   13    3,181    491 
Amounts due to related parties   127,910    36,508    5,637 
Deferred revenue   47,544    69,647    10,752 
Advances and deposits from customers   121,934    107,491    16,594 
eCoupon program virtual cash liability   135,648    147,712    22,803 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   292,310    227,575    35,131 
Total current liabilities   1,167,848    1,215,430    187,631 
Deferred tax liabilities, non-current   21,187    14,060    2,170 
Other liabilities   44    2,950    455 
Total non-current liabilities   21,231    17,010    2,625 
Total liabilities   1,189,079    1,232,440    190,256 
                
Shareholders’ equity               
Ordinary shares   2,908    3,017    466 
High-vote ordinary shares   2,691    2,691    415 
Additional paid-in capital   2,397,868    2,628,761    405,811 
Statutory reserves   3,665    3,593    555 
Accumulated deficit   (626,810)   (1,658,118)   (255,970)
Total eLong Inc. shareholders’ equity   1,780,322    979,944    151,277 
Noncontrolling interest   76,650    27,510    4,247 
Total shareholders’ equity   1,856,972    1,007,454    155,524 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   3,046,051    2,239,894    345,780 

 

 -9- 

 

  

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

To supplement the financial measures calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or GAAP, this press release includes certain non-GAAP financial measures including basic net (loss)/income per ADS, diluted net (loss)/income per ADS, Adjusted Earnings Before Interests, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”), Gross revenue earned from accommodation reservation and Net commissions earned from accommodation reservation. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures may help investors understand eLong’s current financial performance and compare business trends among different reporting periods. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP, but should not be considered as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP. We seek to compensate for the limitations of the non-GAAP measures presented by also providing the comparable GAAP measures, GAAP financial statements, and descriptions of the reconciling items and adjustments, to derive the non-GAAP measures.

 

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net (loss)/income plus (1) interest expense (income); (2) income tax expense (benefit); (3) depreciation; (4) amortization of intangible assets; (5) share-based compensation charges; (6) foreign exchange losses (gains); (7) acquisition-related impacts, including (i) goodwill and intangible asset impairment, and (ii) losses (gains) recognized on non-controlling investment basis adjustments when we acquire controlling interests; (8) losses (gains) from disposition of subsidiary; and (9) certain other items, including restructuring charges, impairment loss and disposition gains on equity method investments and equity in net loss/(income) of affiliates. We believe Adjusted EBITDA is a useful financial metric to assess our operating and financial performance before the impact of investing and financing transactions, if any, and income tax expense (benefit). Since share-based compensation charges are non-cash expenses, we believe excluding them from our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA allows us to provide investors with a more useful tool for assessing our operating and financial performance. In addition, we believe that Adjusted EBITDA is used by other companies and may be used by investors as a measure of our financial performance. The presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an indication that eLong’s future results will be unaffected by other charges and gains we consider to be outside the ordinary course of our business. The use of Adjusted EBITDA has certain limitations. Amortization and depreciation expenses for various non-current assets, share-based compensation charges, other income/(expenses), and income tax expense (benefit) have been and will be incurred and are not reflected in the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA. Each of these items should also be considered in the overall evaluation of our results. Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA does not consider capital expenditures and other investing activities and should not be considered as a measure of eLong’s liquidity. We seek to compensate for these limitations by providing the relevant disclosure of our amortization and depreciation expenses, and share-based compensation charges in the reconciliations to the GAAP financial measure. The term Adjusted EBITDA is not defined under GAAP, and Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of net (loss)/income, (loss)/income from operations, operating performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. In addition, eLong’s Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to Adjusted EBITDA or similarly titled measures utilized by other companies since such other companies may not calculate Adjusted EBITDA in the same manner as we do.

 

Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP, but should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP measures. We present a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to GAAP below.

 

 -10- 

 

  

eLong, Inc.

TABULAR RECONCILIATION FOR NON-GAAP MEASURE

Adjusted EBITDA

(IN THOUSANDS)

 

   2014 Q4   2015 Q3   2015 Q4   2014   2015 
   RMB   RMB   RMB   RMB   RMB 
   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 
                     
Net loss attributable to eLong, Inc.   (206,731)   (156,310)   (330,418)   (268,943)   (1,023,794)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests   (3,091)   (4,595)   (35,691)   (5,680)   (46,753)
Interest income   (14,932)   (8,823)   (6,747)   (61,334)   (41,130)
Government subsidy   (2,074)   (8,544)   (1,648)   (16,353)   (20,956)
Income tax (benefit)/expense   16,537    884    (6,063)   13,094    12,913 
Depreciation   11,500    13,267    12,721    41,352    51,943 
Amortization of intangible assets   4,002    5,296    5,291    8,670    21,225 
Share-based compensation charges/ (reversal of charges)   5,307    (1,730)   79,164    97,675    287,543 
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets   5,496    -    40,402    5,496    40,402 
Foreign exchange (gains)/losses   812    (2,515)   (2,778)   4,079    (2,941)
Restructuring charges   -    -    203    -    3,759 
Net loss on equity method investments   18,035    -    459    18,035    459 
Gain/(loss) from disposition of subsidiary   -    -    680    -    (71,082)
Other   63    (955)   895    1,305    1,643 
Adjusted EBITDA   (165,076)   (164,025)   (243,530)   (162,604)   (786,769)

 

Gross revenue earned from accommodation reservation is defined as accommodation reservation revenue plus (1) cash rebates to customers from the coupon program in our agency accommodation business that were recorded as contra revenue; and (2) the portion of the loss from significant cash-back discounts in our merchant accommodation business that was recorded as contra revenue. We believe gross revenue earned from accommodation reservation is a useful operating and financial metric to assess our performance before the impact of our promotion activities, including the coupon program and cash-back discounts.

 

Net commissions earned from accommodation reservation are defined as accommodation reservation revenue minus the excess of gross-up revenues over our commissions for accommodation reservation transactions, where we take inventory risk and accordingly recognize revenues on a gross basis. We believe net commissions earned from accommodation reservation are a useful operating and financial metric to assess our performance excluding the excess of revenues recognized on a gross basis over commissions earned from accommodation reservation, which allows us to provide investors more information as to the financial impact of our room night transactions for which we take inventory risk.

 

The presentation of gross revenue earned from accommodation reservation and net commissions earned from accommodation reservation should not be construed as an indication that eLong’s future results will be unaffected by other activities we consider to be outside the ordinary course of our business. The use of gross revenue earned from accommodation reservation and net commissions earned from accommodation reservation has certain limitations. The two terms are not defined under GAAP, and are not measures of revenues in accordance with GAAP.

 

Gross revenue earned from accommodation reservation and net commissions earned from accommodation reservation should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP, but should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP measures. We present a reconciliation of these two non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP below.

 

 -11- 

 

  

eLong, Inc.

TABULAR RECONCILIATION FOR NON-GAAP MEASURE

Accommodation Reservation Revenue, Gross Revenue and Net Commissions Earned From Accommodation Reservation

(IN THOUSANDS)

 

   2014 Q4   2015 Q3   2015 Q4   2014   2015 
   RMB   RMB   RMB   RMB   RMB 
   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 
                     
Gross revenue earned from accommodation reservation (Non-GAAP)   367,264    404,061    351,492    1,361,483    1,479,472 
Cash rebates from the coupon program in our agency accommodation business   (157,204)   (92,194)   (63,418)   (422,696)   (419,958)
Portion of loss in our significantly-discounted merchant accommodation business   -    (13,830)   (5,234)   -    (89,489)
Accommodation reservation revenue (GAAP)   210,059    298,037    282,840    938,787    970,025 
The excess of gross-up revenues over commissions for inventory risk taking accommodation transactions   (33,879)   (59,050)   (56,497)   (41,272)   (234,546)
Net commissions earned from accommodation reservation (Non-GAAP)   176,180    238,987    226,343    897,515    735,479 

 

 -12- 

 

 

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